Italy recalls Ambassador Sem Fabrizi from Ethiopia

Italy has recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia, Sem Fabrizi, after only ten months in his post. The move follows pressure from the Ethiopian government and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who had expressed dissatisfaction with the diplomat.

While the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the situation as a lack of 'chemistry,' reports suggest the friction stemmed from Fabrizi’s stance on human rights issues in the Tigray region. This tension reportedly occurred against the backdrop of Italy’s efforts to maintain strong bilateral ties through the Mattei Plan.

The recall is viewed as a significant diplomatic signal, marking a rare moment of friction in the historical relationship between Rome and Addis Ababa. It follows a period of high-profile diplomatic engagement, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to Ethiopia earlier this year.